Remembering a special lady
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Jason Patterson Editor & PublisherMany times there would be a feast on the table before us, and the lady responsible for it would be too busy making sure everyone else’s needs were met to enjoy it herself.
The second your glass of tea started getting a little low she was on her feet to grab the pitcher. If it looked like you needed another piece of cornbread, she would be sending it your way.
She would apologize for not having time to prepare something for desert more sophisticated than bread pudding - nevermind the fact that it would be better than anything you could find in any restaurant in town.
She also wouldn’t mention that the reason she didn’t have more time was because she’d prepared a table full of food with several vegetables raised in her own garden to go along with a main course fit for a king.
She wouldn’t hesitate to swat my legs with a switch when I needed it (and I needed it more than most) or doctor on one of the many wounds I suffered as a boy.
She never failed to give her love and support, regardless of whether or not I deserved it, and I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without her influence.
She was in church just about every time the doors opened, and she often brought me with her.
She was married to her husband for over 65 years, and she still made sure his hair was properly combed and his shirt was tucked in right before he made any public appearances.
She seemed to be in perpetual motion. Her work ethic was so strong that when she got older we started trying to beat her to doing some things because we were afraid she would exhaust herself. For a long time she proved to have more stamina than those much younger.
She was always kind to everyone, and people always commented on how she made them feel at home when they visited.
In her later years she suffered many health problems, but she always showed more concern for others.
Bonnie Sue Richardson was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me she was my Granny, and I don’t know how anyone could have ever had a bigger impact on my life. I have no doubt that the rest of my family feels the same way.
To have a family that truly loves you is the greatest advantage anyone could have in life. There has never been a time in my life that I’ve ever doubted that someone would be there for me if I needed help or that someone cared about me.
That’s something that money can’t buy, and our grandparents passed it down to us for free.
If she hadn’t had such a strong influence on our lives, I guess we’d probably be wondering what in the world we’re going to do now that she’s gone. Instead we’ll follow her example and thank God for the time He gave us with her, and ask Him to help us be more like her.
And make sure Grandaddy’s hair is properly combed before he goes out in public.
Dear Editor,
The decision by the present school board not to renew the teaching and coaching contract of Mr. Archie Carlyle was a planned and calculated act of politics. This kind of thing has been happening for years.
They didn’t follow policies or procedures in this matter. The state’s report on the district asked the board to stop interfering in this kind of situation, but it seems they didn’t get the memo.
My mother always put her 11 children first in making decisions for their futures. It is clear this board did not do that.
Mr. Carlyle’s only crime was putting his students first. I feel like Jesus, when he told the people at the well, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I and the 800 people who have signed the petition calling for Carlyle’s return can find no fault in his dedication to our community. We are being laughed at across the state, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Our community is losing faith in our ability to work in a productive and successful district. The Yazoo Herald’s sports editor called it a “travesty.” I ask the question, where are all those Christian folks, his co-workers, his pastor and his fellow church members?
Where are the athletes, past and present, and most of all where are the parents? He has mothered and fathered when you were unable to make it to a game or on the road, giving your children heart-to-heart talks of motivation and encouragement both in the halls of our schools and on the streets of this community. Now he deserves your support in this critical matter.
This affects us all, black and white, because the future of our community is at stake. I am asking everyone to show as much concern about this matter as they do during election time.
Mr. Clifton Jones, I sat on the school board when you and your wife in a 3 to 2 vote were denied what you rightfully deserved. When you first ran for alderman you were the only politician I ever spent an entire day with, walking the streets because I believed in you. When I ran for mayor as an independent, I endorsed McArthur Straughter in the primary. Many people thought I was crazy, but I was exercising my rights.
Mr. Aubry Brent Jr., I followed you from Vicksburg to Belzoni and saw people commit perjury to defeat you. When citizens support a candidate, they want something in return. As a citizen with the 800 petitioners, we are calling in our wager. Just get the record of the board of that decision, which is public record. Check the timeline of the action, and you will be amazed. Next month you will appoint or reappoint a board member, but before you do we deserve answers.
If you find me wrong I will come back and sit before you and the school board and give a public apology. Everyone deserves their day in court, and Mr. Carlyle certainly does.
What you do or don’t do will determine the caliber of teachers and coaches willing to come into our community and work with our children.
Johnny Staples
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